Flexible Band Field Mount for Thermal Expansion and Vibration
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing field device mounts require unique saddle clamps for each pipe size, leading to high inventory costs, shipping challenges, and safety risks, and are susceptible to thermal expansion and vibration effects.
Innovation Solution
A field device mount using flexible banding and inline tension-retaining features, including clamp feet and inline or perpendicular tensioners with biasing members, allows for adaptable mounting to various fluid handling equipment sizes and compensates for thermal expansion and contraction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If unique saddle clamps are used for each pipe size, then mounting precision is improved, but device complexity and inventory requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a universal saddle clamp design that can accommodate multiple pipe sizes through adjustable mechanisms. Instead of requiring unique clamps for each pipe diameter, the invention uses a standardized clamp body with adjustable positioning features that adapt to different pipe dimensions, thereby reducing inventory complexity while maintaining mounting precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The saddle clamp incorporates adjustable parameters such as movable jaws or expandable structures that can be modified to fit different pipe sizes. This parameter adjustment capability allows a single clamp design to serve multiple pipe diameters, resolving the contradiction between precision mounting and device complexity.
2Strength
If rigid mounting structures are used, then structural strength is improved, but susceptibility to thermal expansion and vibration increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting structure incorporates dynamic elements such as spring-loaded clamps or flexible mounting brackets that can move and adjust in response to thermal expansion and vibration. These dynamic features maintain structural strength while accommodating dimensional changes and mechanical stresses, preventing rigid failure modes.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses flexible mounting components such as elastomeric dampers or flexible brackets that can deform elastically under thermal and vibrational loads. These flexible elements absorb expansion forces and vibration energy while maintaining the structural integrity of the overall mounting assembly.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple clamp sizes are manufactured and stocked, then adaptability to different pipe sizes is improved, but loss of substance and shipping costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal clamp design that can be used across multiple pipe sizes, eliminating the need to manufacture and stock numerous specialized clamp variants. This single-purpose-to-multi-purpose transition reduces material consumption, inventory holding costs, and shipping requirements while maintaining full adaptability to different pipe diameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp system is divided into modular components where only the adjustable elements need to be varied for different pipe sizes, while the main clamp body remains standardized. This segmentation allows for a core universal component with minimal variations, reducing overall inventory complexity and material waste.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution provides a robust mount that maintains clamping force despite thermal and mechanical changes, reducing inventory needs and installation risks while ensuring accurate and stable device attachment.
Implementation Method 1
Each inline tensioner includes a biasing member disposed to urge the band engaging portions towards each other
Data Source
AI summary
A field device mount includes a union configured to couple to a field device. A clamp foot is coupled to the union and is configured to engage fluid handling equipment. A first band is configured to pass around the fluid handling equipment and clamp foot and to couple to opposite sides of a first inline tensioner. A second band is configured to pass around the fluid handling equipment and clamp foot and to couple to a second inline tensioner. Each inline tensioner includes a biasing member disposed to urge the band engaging portions towards each other.